Rennie hails Wallabies character after England jinx broken

Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie - Action Images via Reuters 

REUTERS: Wallabies coach Dave Rennie said smart leadership, character and a nerveless performance from stand-in flyhalf Noah Lolesio were behind 14-man Australia’s victory over England in the first of three July tests on Saturday. 

The win was a significant breakthrough for the Wallabies, who had failed to beat England in eight matches since Eddie Jones took over as coach, including a 3-0 home series loss in 2016 and a humbling quarter-final defeat at the last World Cup. 

It was all the more impressive as it came after Quade Cooper was ruled out with a calf strain picked up in the warm- up, a serious injury to fullback Tom Banks in the 21st minute, and the red card shown to lock Darcy Swain after 34 minutes.

The series continues over the next two weeks with tests at Brisbane’s Lang Park and the Sydney Cricket Ground.